According to Lexis Nexus, one in six adults has consulted ChatGPT for legal guidance. And why not? When you’re feeling overwhelmed and want a clear answer to a pressing problem, it makes sense to try using it as a resource.
But divorce is more than a legal issue – it’s an entire life transformation that includes everything from finances to well-being. It involves bureaucracy (lots of it), emotional triggers, and so many tasks. It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole of searching for endless hours and not really finding a solution or strategy that you feel will empower a better life ahead.
So, we did the work for you. We’ve created the 50 prompts you need to help you fast-track your divorce and achieve a better outcome. From understanding how property is divided in your state to finding an expert who can help resolve any issue that comes up, these prompts cover a wide range of topics to help you navigate the divorce process with confidence.
But before we get started, I’ve got a couple of disclaimers (because you can take the lawyer out of the traditional legal system but can't take the legal mindset out of the lawyer):
- Chat is (just) a tool – not actual legal advice. It’s not always 100% accurate. These prompts are meant to be a resource to help you gain insights and ideas about how to approach various aspects of your divorce, but they are not a definitive guide to navigating the process and may at times (gasp) be wrong. Ask for sources and double-check before you rely on what ChatGPT has to say. Please keep in mind that these prompts are not a substitute for professional advice, so if you're looking for that, you can book a session with a professional or schedule a free 15-minute call.
- Chat struggles with bureaucracy. But you can’t really fault it given that forms and filing guidelines are hyper-localized and change often and without notice from the court. Use these prompts to get a good summary of what to expect when it comes to all things divorce but avoid getting into the weeds – that’s what we’re here for, to help you navigate the red tape without having to lawyer up.
- Avoid the rabbit hole. Remind yourself you don’t need to know everything. Learn enough to negotiate a settlement agreement or figure out what questions you have for a divorce professional but you’ll make yourself crazy if you go too deep in your search (trust me, I’ve been there).
- Chat is literal but it doesn’t mean you have to be. Some of these prompts help you understand the “default” laws in your state. It’s always good to know what they are when negotiating with your spouse. But ultimately, you and your spouse can decide to divide or equalize your estate and/or share custody of your kids in whatever manner serves y’all best. If you want to give up something in exchange for buying some peace, do what you must do. And if you’re stuck, consider a mediation session with an experienced conflict resolution specialist who can help broker a fair deal instead of turning your divorce into a shady business deal.
- No legalese. Add either of these prompts to any of your questions depending on what’s helpful to you. Translate into ______ language (if English is not your first language). Explain it to me like I’m a ____ year-old (if you want the gist but not the big words)
Ok, here we go...
50 questions to ask yourself to help you save time and money on your divorce
- Can I sell property like a car or house before my divorce is finalized in [state]?
- How are property and debt divided at divorce in [state]?
- Are there any common exceptions to these rules?
- How does my spouse being in the military affect my divorce in [state]?
- How do I protect the inheritance I received during my marriage when I'm getting divorced?
- What questions do you need to ask me in order to determine if I can get divorced in [X] state?
- What info would you need from me to estimate my child support obligation or payment?
- What type of divorce-related expert can help me with [insert issue]?
- What are the grounds for divorce in [state]?
- If my state has fault-based divorce, would there still be a reason I’d choose no-fault?
- What are the residency requirements for filing for divorce in my state?
- What is the difference between a fault and no-fault divorce? Why might I consider going for no-fault divorce even if my spouse is clearly at fault?
- How is property divided in a divorce in [state], and what factors are considered in this process?
- Do I need to fully trust my spouse in order to have an amicable divorce?
- Does an amicable divorce mean ‘no conflict’ between my spouse and me?
- What is alimony or spousal support, and how is it determined in [state]?
- How is child custody determined in [state], and what factors are considered in this process?
- What steps can I take to protect my finances during the divorce process?
- What are some strategies for coping with the emotional stress of divorce?
- How can I communicate effectively with my spouse during the divorce process?
- What are some tips that I can use to help my spouse get on board with mediation or another out-of-court divorce process?
- What are some resources available to me for emotional support and guidance during the divorce process? [We have tons – see them here.]
- Does [state] require me or my spouse to go to a court hearing even if we have a written and signed agreement on all divorce-related topics?
- How can I prepare for divorce mediation? [Also see our tips and worksheet here]
- What are some common co-parenting schedules? [See your options]
- Is child support available in [state] for an adult child with special needs? [Book time with Sandra Giudici, one of our CDFAs who is experienced in helping with special needs children and divorce as it relates to finances here.]
- What are some common mistakes to avoid during the divorce process?
- What are some alternatives to going to court for my divorce?
- What should I consider when creating a parenting plan for my children? (Use our free parenting plan worksheet.]
- How can I protect my credit score or build my credit during the divorce process?
- What are my options if my spouse is hiding assets during the divorce process?
- What are some strategies for co-parenting effectively after a divorce?
- What are some common misconceptions about divorce, and how can I avoid falling into these traps?
- What are some strategies for negotiating a fair settlement in a divorce?
- How can I manage the stress of a high-conflict divorce?
- What are some strategies for managing co-parenting conflicts after a divorce?
- How can I maintain a positive relationship with my children during and after a divorce?
- What are some resources available to me for financial assistance during the divorce process? [We offer affordable financial planning.]
- How can I communicate effectively with my attorney during the divorce process such that I don’t waste a lot of time or money?
- What are some tips for staying organized and on top of paperwork during a divorce? [Need help filling out your forms? We can help.]
- What should I consider when dividing retirement accounts and other long-term assets during a divorce?
- How can I communicate effectively with my spouse during the divorce process to try to minimize conflict?
- How can I prepare financially for the divorce process to ensure my stability and independence?
- How can I ensure that I am working with a reputable and competent attorney or mediator during the divorce process?
- What are some alternatives to traditional litigation that can help me avoid a messy divorce, such as mediation, online divorce or collaborative divorce? What are the pros and cons of each?
- What divorce forms are mandatory in [state)?
- Is there a divorce waiting period in [state], and if so, how long is it and when is it triggered?
- Is legal separation an option in [state] and if so, what are some reasons that I would choose it instead of divorce?
- What makes Hello Divorce different from other online divorce platforms?
- How can Hello Divorce help me and/or my spouse get divorced?
Tip: Use the following prompt if you want help with something but are not sure how to phrase it: "What questions would you use in order to help me figure out [fill in topic and add some context]." Then answer as many questions as you can to get a response.
Example: What questions would you need to ask me in order to help me figure out an estimate of my share of my ex’s 401k in our divorce
Remember to use this tool more as a gut check instead of a be-all-end-all. But sometimes that’s all we need to get past emotional triggers and get closer to settlement.
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Still not sure where to start? Ask our team your questions.
Our experienced team can answer your questions to help you understand the process and figure out what's best for your specific situation.
